Adopt an Athlete

400 meter hurdler Turquoise Thompson is the first recipient of the Foundation’s Adopt an Athlete grant program. The initial grant was made available through the generosity of an anonymous donor.

“I both appreciate and admire the Foundation’s mission and efforts toward supporting and empowering up and coming talent such as myself,” noted Thompson. “This grant will contribute largely to my efforts and ability to compete at the highest level. Thank you for believing in me.”

At the highest levels, a tenth of a second or just a centimeter can mean the difference between gold and silver on the medal stand, or no medal at all. Often times, these margins can be decided by purely economic reasons. Since the margin of victory is usually minute, an innovative training program or an additional competitive opportunity can make all the difference. But many of these “electives” struggle for financial assistance. Unlike other Olympic teams that receive government aid, it is only through private support that USA Track & Field can give its elite athletes state-of-the-art equipment and training facilities, elite coaching, and advanced sports medicine. Through the generosity of individuals in the track and field community and our Adopt an Olympic Athlete program, Team USA will have the resources necessary to remain the world’s #1 Track & Field Team.

You will share in the Olympic journey by giving an elite athlete the resources necessary to be competitive on the grandest of all competitive stages, the Olympic Games. You may select the particular event in which you choose to sponsor an athlete.

Specifically, your contribution will help cover the following expenses directly associated with Olympic training:

Top-level coaching

Domestic & international competitions

Training expenses (room & board)

Health insurance

Modern equipment & facilities

On an even more personal level, your gift will impact the day-to-day life of an Olympian-in-training. Elite American athletes frequently put their careers on hold to live the Olympic dream. This can mean part-time jobs and sacrificing time with family and friends. Your gift provides financial stability and lessens the stress of funding training expenses.

Testimonials

I just wanted to thank you for awarding Bell Oaks Upper Elementary School a USATF Foundation Youth Grant. With your grant, we were able to purchase new, real uniforms and compete in 9 meets. The kids felt much more confident and excelled more this year. Thank you so much!